Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
In an unexpected turn of events, Central Asian nations have distanced themselves from Turkey over its long-standing occupation of Northern Cyprus. This shift comes as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan formally aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550, which condemn Turkey’s presence on the island. These resolutions declare the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as illegitimate and demand that all countries refrain from recognizing it.
A Strategic Pivot: Central Asia’s Diplomatic Change
Kazakhstan was the first among these nations to make its move, announcing plans to establish official diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cyprus. In January 2024, Kazakhstan and Cyprus exchanged ambassadors, marking a significant shift in their foreign policies. This move was seen as a break from their previous stance of tacit support for Turkey’s position.
Uzbekistan followed suit by accrediting its ambassador to Italy as a representative to the southern part of Cyprus in December 2024. This was the first such diplomatic step since Tashkent and Nicosia established relations in 1997. Similarly, Turkmenistan followed with its own diplomatic mission to Cyprus in early 2024.
These actions have caused significant disquiet in Ankara, which has been the sole international backer of the TRNC since Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus in 1974. The Turkish government’s failure to prevent these diplomatic shifts has exposed a vulnerability in its long-held alliances in Central Asia.
A Turkey Left Silent on the Diplomatic Fallout
Turkey’s official response to these developments has been curiously muted. Neither President Recep Tayyip Erdogan nor Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have publicly commented on the issue. This silence has raised questions about the depth of the crisis Turkey now faces in maintaining its relationships with the Turkic states, especially as they align more closely with the European Union’s stance on Cyprus.
Ersin Tatar, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, was quick to voice his discontent, claiming that the actions of these countries amounted to a betrayal of their shared Turkic heritage. Tatar criticized Central Asian nations for siding with European interests, undermining Turkey’s position in the region.
The Nationalist Reaction in Turkey
The reaction from Turkish nationalist circles has been swift and sharp. Mustafa Destici, leader of the “Great Unity Party” in Turkey, accused Central Asian countries of betraying their deep-rooted ties with Turkey. He called their diplomatic moves “unacceptable,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing the TRNC for Turkey’s strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“These countries, which we consider friends and brothers, are now opening embassies on the Greek-Cypriot side, disregarding the TRNC,” said Erhan Erikci, leader of the “Revival Party” in Northern Cyprus, reflecting the frustration felt within Turkish-Cypriot circles. Erikci added that this move signified a betrayal of the solidarity they had once shared within the Turkic world.
Cyprus Divided: The Growing Divide on the Island
In response, the Greek Cypriot government has welcomed the diplomatic shifts, viewing them as a tacit endorsement of their sovereignty over the entire island. This newfound alignment with the Central Asian states has further entrenched the division on the island, where the TRNC remains recognized only by Turkey.
For Turkey, this marks a critical juncture. Its long-standing position as the primary supporter of Northern Cyprus is being tested not just by international actors like the European Union, but now by its own Turkic allies in Central Asia. The shifting alliances suggest that Turkey’s influence in the region may be diminishing as these countries prioritize their relationships with the EU over their historical ties to Ankara.
The Future of the Turkic States: Balancing Interests in a Changing World
The situation highlights a broader challenge for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which has long been a platform for cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries. The growing rift between Turkey and its Central Asian partners raises fundamental questions about the organization’s future and the ability of its member states to balance their Turkic identity with their broader geopolitical interests.
For Turkey, the central question now is whether it can maintain its influence in Central Asia, or whether it will face increasing isolation as its neighbors chart a new course, increasingly aligned with European interests.
